Road to Sydney: Scottish Thistles Name World Cup Qualifier Squad

1st September 2026

The Scottish Thistles have named their squad for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Europe, as they continue preparations for three crucial matches on home soil from 25–27 September.

Following a memorable summer of international netball, attention now turns firmly towards Sydney 2027, with the Thistles set to face the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales at Playsport Arena, East Kilbride.

With two World Cup invitations available, every match across the three-day tournament carries significant importance as Scotland looks to secure its place on the global stage next year.

Head Coach Kath Tetley has named a 15-player group featuring a blend of established internationals and players continuing to push their way into the senior environment.

The squad includes Emma Barrie, Cerys Cairns, Iona Christian, Rachel Conway, Anna Fairclough, Cerys Finn, Lexy Gillies, Beth Goodwin, Hannah Leighton, Niamh McCall, Jazmine Moore and Emily Nicholl, alongside Erin Bolland, Lucy Holmes and Rebecca MacDonald.

Bolland, Holmes and MacDonald are yet to make their senior international debuts, adding another exciting element to a group which combines established Thistles with athletes emerging through Scotland’s performance pathway.

The road to Sydney

Scotland begins its qualifying campaign against Republic of Ireland at 7pm on Friday 25 September, before facing Northern Ireland at 5pm on Saturday. The Thistles conclude the weekend against Wales at 2pm on Sunday 27 September.

For Tetley, the focus is now firmly on ensuring the team is ready to perform across three demanding days of international competition.

“There is a real sense of excitement around this group and we are very clear about what is in front of us. World Cup qualification is hugely important and having the opportunity to pursue that goal at home, in front of our own supporters, makes the weekend even more special.

“Competition for places continues to be strong and that is exactly what we want as we keep raising the standards within the Thistles programme.

“Three matches in three days will test us physically and mentally, but the players understand what is required. We are looking forward to getting together, preparing well and giving everything we have to earn our place in Sydney.”

Assistant Coach Lesley MacDonald believes the strength and depth developing within the programme will be important as Scotland prepares for the demands of the qualification tournament.

“What is exciting about this squad is the competition we are seeing right across the court. We have players who have performed on the biggest stages alongside others who are pushing hard for their opportunities, and that creates a really positive training environment.

“Qualifiers are different. You have to back up performances over three consecutive days and be ready to adapt to three different opponents. That places a premium on versatility, connection and the whole squad being ready to contribute.

“Playing these matches at home is another huge opportunity for us. We know how much of a difference the Scottish support can make and hopefully we can create another special atmosphere at Playsport.”

Scottish Thistles squad

Athlete	Position
Emma Barrie	GS / GA
Cerys Cairns	GA / WA
Iona Christian	C / WA
Rachel Conway	GK / GD
Anna Fairclough	GD / WD
Cerys Finn	GD / GK
Lexy Gillies	C / WD
Beth Goodwin	GS / GA
Hannah Leighton	C / WD
Niamh McCall	GA / GS
Jazmine Moore	WA / C
Emily Nicholl	GD / WD
Erin Bolland	WD / C
Lucy Holmes	GD / WD
Rebecca MacDonald	GS / GA

Head Coach: Kath Tetley
Assistant Coach: Lesley MacDonald

The European qualifier represents another significant moment in an extraordinary year for international netball in Scotland, coming less than two months after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The competition will see all four nations play each other once, with the top two in the final standings earning an invitation for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, which takes place from 25 August to 5 September next year.

With the Thistles able to pursue that World Cup invite in front of a home crowd, supporters are being encouraged to turn Playsport pink and purple and get behind Scotland across all three days.